New Wave music reviews

I loved the movie and bought the soundtrack tape a while ago. If you like Swing and Big Band with a nostalgic flavor, this is a great CD with some great compilations from Joe Jackson. Seeing the movie first (a great under-rated movie with alot of visual flair) helps conjure wonderful nostalgic imagery while you listen to the CD.

With Joe's instrumental virtuosity, no one doubted he could do amazing soundtracks. Like his amazing "Mike's Murder" soundtrack, Joe's music fits "Tucker" to a T. We already knew Joe liked Forties jazz and with this album, he gets to show off his amazing piano playing and swing music in that style. I have heard the opening track "The Captain of Industry" copied and used on "The Simpsons" (I wonder if they gave Joe composer credit?)and on countless other TV moments. His upbeat, fingersnapping entries here ("He's a Shape," "Rhythm Delivery") will have you tapping your feet. I thought the movie "Tucker" was not bad, but the soundtrack takes it to another level. Another of why Joe Jackson musically ruled the 80's!!

Yes, there are only 2 discs on this version. For the 3-disc version you need to look at another link and it costs a lot more. You really don't need the extra disc of live and other throwaway tracks though as this 2-disc version is perfection itself.

While the 3-disc version comes in a digipak package, this 2-disc version comes in a jewel case but all tracks have been 32 bit remastered for an excellent sounding album. This has to be in terms of sound quality among the top 5 that I've ever heard in my life and believe me I've heard too many discs that have been "remastered" and yet sound worse than the cassettes.

Level 42 is more than just a singles band though and although this is an excellent place to get a taste of all the best without having to get all the albums, I'd still recommend getting remastered versions of "World Machine" and "Running In the Family" as some truly inspired album tracks that are not here are there and just have to be heard.

I'm referring to tracks like "Sleepwalkers" and "Freedom Someday" among many others. Brilliant tracks in this album though are "Are You Hearing What I Hear?", "The Chinese Way", "Hot Water", "Children Say" and "Leaving Me Now". No weak tracks here really except perhaps towards the end of the second disc when Level 42's star was clearly waning.

If you are new to Level 42, this is the place to start but not to end. Like me, wait for Polydor to do the same treatment that they did with this brilliant album to "World Machine" and "Running in the Family" and snap them up! Very highly recommended.

Amazon did not mention that there is actully 3 disks in this collection with live tracks, unreleased material and a couple of solo songs from Mark and Mike. With the other two disks and the remastering of the orginal tracks it definitly makes this collection worth it. If you are a fan like I am and have a really!! hard time finding and obtaining their earlier work, this is a must have.

Level 42 were among the bands that made a huge success in the 80s and 90s, like Duran Duran, Simple Minds, Alphaville, A-ha, Camouflage, and so on. This double CD is packed with all their hits, digitally remastered with 32 bit for a higher sound quality. "Something About You", "Leaving Me Now", "Lessons In Love", "Running In The Family", "To Be With You Again" are among my favorites.
Buy this CD and thank me.

I wholeheartedly agree with reviewer Prymel's thoughts (see review below): `The Up Escalator' is a woefully underappreciated gem - and would definitely get the nod as my favorite Graham Parker and the Rumour album. While `Squeezing Out Sparks' is lauded left and right - and is probably the only one of Parker's discs a casual fan could name - `The Up Escalator' has languished in obscurity, despite all the makings of a breakthrough album.

Consider: Producer Jimmy Iovine (Tom Petty's `Damn the Torpedoes', Dire Straits' `Making Movies', Bruce Springsteen's `Born to Run') brings his breathtaking panoramic sound to the table, recording the musicians live in the studio - giving the album his telltale larger-than-life stamp. This is an ideal compliment to the Rumour's superb backing, as they were always a top-notch live band. The guitar parts are interlocking like gears, and the rhythm section sounds crisp and clear - sidestepping the muddy production that often afflicted earlier GP+R releases.

Springsteen himself contributes backing vocals to the great (and Sprignsteen-esque) "Endless Night". E Street Band member Danny Federici (organ) and noted session pianist Nicky Hopkins (The Rolling Stones' `Exile on Main Street', The Who's `By Numbers') replace departed Rumour keyboardist Bob Andrews, providing their signature sounds to the proceedings.

The songs are all simultaneously catchy and full of vitriol, ranking them among Parker's best. As Prymel astutely notes, every song has an infectious hook, with "No Holding Back", "Stupefaction", and "Jolie Jolie" taking top honors. The album's centerpiece, "Empty Lives", is a bile-spewing rail seemingly directed against everyone within listening distance who has ever questioned Parker's abilities - and kept him from the stardom he deserved. As a piece of sonic and lyrical outrage, it is almost without peer.

Most Graham Parker fans gravitate towards 1979's "Squeezing Out Sparks" as his finest achievment, but I respectfully disagree. "The Up Escalator" has been one of my favorite rock/pop albums ever since it was released; it's incredible to me that this album never received greater recognition. It is filled with wonderfully melodic, intelligently constructed rock that is an absolute joy to listen to. Virtually every song has a killer hook, with "No Holding Back" and "Jolie Jolie" being particularly vibrant standouts. I was thrilled to see this album being reissued. Pick this one up if you can, it's simply fantastic.

There are sooo many Culture Club compilations out there! Wich one should You buy? If You are looking for getting as many songs as possible on the same CD, You should choose another one. I would recommend "At Worst - The Best Of Boy George and Culture Club". I will still give this CD 5 stars because Culture Club rules! ;) This is a strange collection of songs. Not exactly the best songs, I must say.... (Still a must-have for fans of course!!)

I am a tremendous Culture Club fan and I own all of their Best Ofs and other collections. I rate this among my favorites, not simply because it has all the expected hits on it, but because it also includes some of their less well-known songs from their first three albums. If you're an American, like myself, you may never have heard Changing Everyday, I'm Afraid of Me, The Dive and The Medal song, all of which are terrific, but not highly publicized on this side of the ocean. Unlike some of the other collections available that feature Culture Club alone, without including any of Boy George's solo efforts, , it expands beyond what you may already know and offers you a wider perspective on their earlier work and some unfamiliar, equally enjoyable songs to add to your favorites. In my opinion, this cd is a good choice for anyone who wants a taste of some of the music from Culture Club's 82, 83 and 84 releases before they decide whether or not to plunge into the search for the original albums, or for those confirmed fans who just want a track listing that doesn't duplicate the others already in their collection.

I like Indochine a lot. This album is good. It is showing the new directions the group is taking. The next album, Danceteria, is a lot better.

This is the group's first of two albums as a duo (the other is Dancetaria). If you have heard Indochine before (especially the 80s) this album shows a group in transition. Some of the songs are really good (Satellite, Drugstar, Revoultion) but I feel it is still a experimental album. I prefer the next album (Dancetaria, issued last year).

It's sorry that one of the twins died and now the future of the group is a little bit uncertain, so enjoy it when it still exists.

if you love world music, check out this cornucopia of soul moving music. can't miss.

I've long been a fan of Real World Records, led there by an interest in Peter Gabriel. This compilation reaffirms that interest with every listen.

"A Week or Two in the Real World" is a veritable cream of the crop. Every track is something new and unique.

If you're new to the ambigiously named "world music" genre, this compilation is a great place to start. A smart way to get your feet wet in this extraordinarily broad and rich genre.

Highly recommended.

I own this compilation on a now-pretty-worn-out cassette and am strongly thinking about picking up the CD version, and you should do the same if you're a ska fan--or just a fan of fun, tuneful, catchy, well-made pop music. "What Is Beat?" provides a good survey of the band's too-short career, from the early classics "Mirror in the Bathroom" and "Twist and Crawl" off "I Just Can't Stop It" to the wonderful "Doors of Your Heart" off "Wha'ppen" and the brilliant "Save It for Later" and "I Confess" off "Special Beat Service." I would note that the versions of "Doors of Your Heart" and "I Confess" here are slightly truncated from their original album versions, but that doesn't spoil the party. The CD version lacks the cassette bonus track "Psychedelic Rockers," but fortunately "Psychedelic Rockers" isn't one of the Beat's more indispensable songs. Even if this album wouldn't transport you back to the lonely nights and crowded dance floors of high school, as it would me, it's well worth many a listen.

"What Is Beat?" was the first compilation of English Beat released in America. The rather short lived band (only three albums) is probably more influential than their output would suggest. They were multicultural, multi generational (sax man Saxa was 50 years old when he joined the group) and politically savvy. Their music could invoke controversy without the confrontation of obscenity (see "Stand Down Margaret") and mix soul and reggae without having to resort to more trendy measures.

As a result, their music has maintained a timeless feel to it. Songs like "Mirror In The Bathroom" or "Save it For Later" make much of what now passes for contemporary pop come up for the weak unoriginal pabulum that it is, and I long for the kind of band that could modernize a song like "Can't Get Used to Losing You" without it sounding like high camp.

While the more recent "Beat This!" collection boasts a few more songs, if you can find "What Is Beat?" I'd pick it up for the live version of "Get A Job/Stand Down Margaret" and the unreleased single "Hit It." Either compilation will do, but you really should have some BEAT in your life.

If you grew up in the 80's and do not have this CD (Along with Louder than Bombs by the Smiths) then you did not actually listen to music back then. Ok, that's a bit extreme but make no mistake this is one of the greatest compilations ever assembled (there I go again). The English Beat were an amazing band that defined an era for a lot of people. I have this on vinyl and have worn it down. This CD should be added to your collection and played to your children and your children's children. There is no cusing, no rapping, no hard metal solos, no screaming....i think i'm gonna cry.

Truly one of the most over looked "New Wave" bands from the 80's. Founder Malcolm McLaren was so ahead of his time and Bow Wow Wow was just that.
Just having seen them live in San Diego on their "Reunion" tour they were incredible. I had much more respect for them as Annabella sounded and looked better than ever. Adrian from "No Doubt" joined them on drums for the tour and he had every drum beat down to perfection.
This CD is a must for any 80's alternative lover. BWW has so many influences and such a special sound with the surf guitar and tribal drumbeats. From "Hey, Buddy" to "Man Mountain" as all the tracks here are excellent listening for any music mood.
We met Annabella back stage and she is trying to get her website going and get on a new record label, look for some new material very soon from her and the band. I like all their CDs but this would be the first one to buy if you are a first time listener.

5 Stars all the way!!!

They fired MM went out on their own and did their best album. Then they broke up. Oh well, the songs on this album are all pure energy. Bararrosa's unique drums and LeRoy and Mathew's strings deliver that unique BWW sound. "Do You Want to Hold Me" will get the deadest party going. There are the usual BWW sex (wink wink) songs like "Aphrodisiac", but there are also some silly bits with "Ricke Dee" and "Roustabout." As a result the album is wide ranging yet always distintly BWW feast. In all cuts Anabella comes off at her best, sounding more like Terri Gunn of Berlin than a 16/17 year old. This is a must for any fan of the early New Wave scene that grew out of punk, with some real talent to boot.

Bow Wow Wow seem to most an early eighties new wave band that if you want a recording by, get the "Best Of." WRONG! Along with the I Want Candy cd this is essential. Brutal drum rhythms back Matthew Ashman's stinging guitarwork; and the bass of Leigh Gorman (the best relatively unknown bassist around) speeds up and down the fretboard funking and popping his way to utopia. Annabella sounds sexy and fun throughout the disc and sings with a sexual attitude that belies her age. Believe me, if you even have the slightest inkling of buying a BWW disc, get this one first.

I was actually lucky enough to see them perform the 2 live songs on here, and if you didn't get as lucky, then get this CD! This is the closest you will ever get to actually being there. And then after listening to that, watch the video! It's completely awesome! But, I'm jumping too far into the CD.

Wicker Man Single Pt. 2 is the best single I've ever gotten in my life. My dad got it for me when he went to the UK. The ONLY way you can get it instead of import. I totally recommend this if you can get your hands on it. The Great Bruce is back! Along with a "3-Guitar Attack" backing his amazing vocals, Wicker Man has to be Single Of The Year! I totally recommend this.

Anyone looking for the review on The Wicker Man song,check out cd1 single of this title. The live tracks on this single are nothing short of stellar. They're clean and awesome with their three guitar makeover. Futureal sees the best of all live tracks between the 2 cds. Bruce is... Bruce and the guitar solos rock. Perhaps the best live version of Killers I've heard on a cd. I must also say that the video is quite good of Futureal as well. Bruce fences Eddie with the mic stand and Janick getting swatted by Eddie was for some good fun. Therefore must give this a 5 out of a possible 5. BUY THIS CD!

This 1990 album was the fourth out of five the band recorded before disbanding in 1992. By this time the radio had pretty much stopped paying attention, which is a shame, because Wire Train just kept getting better and better, and they peaked with this eponymous set. Two standout tracks - "Spin" and "Moonlight Dream" - are in my opinion the best songs Wire Train ever came up with. Quite a few others are very close - "Should She Cry", "If You See Her Go", "Precious Time". The production is outstanding, and the band is now benefiting greatly from the guitar work of Jeff Trott, who had joined for the previous album, 1987's "Ten Women". Following this album, Wire Train closed out their career with "No Soul No Strain" in 1992. That set has a totally different vibe - looser, more relaxed, not as well recorded or produced, but with a casual, carefree atmosphere, like they knew the end was near and decided to go out having fun. I highly recommended that one as well.

This was one of those albums no one heard of, but is a must hear for anyone in the college radio scene of the 80's. Flowing melodies and catchy vibes make this album stand out with band like REM, The Smiths, The Cure, etc., If you get a chance make this a listen.